USA 250: Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones was born on March 17, 1902, in Atlanta, Georgia, and he grew to be one of the finest amateur golfers ever. Showing promise from a young age, he reached the third round of the U.S. Amateur at just 14. Ultimately, he won 13 major tournaments—all as an amateur—a record that stands to this day. In 1930, Jones achieved remarkable feats in the sport.
In sports, one of the most important aspects is that every fan has the right to choose a side—and perhaps even a bit of responsibility comes with that. Sometimes the side you root for wins; other times, they don’t.
Golf, though, often seems to tilt the odds against the fans’ chosen favorites. But occasionally, a surprise emerges, disrupting the expected outcome. Wyndham Clark was such an anomaly at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. He not only seemed at ease over the four days and 72 holes but also embraced the expectations placed upon him.
Unlike many athletes who embody a certain arrogance viewed by the public as “villainous”—and, interestingly, most of them find success—Clark carried more nuanced baggage.
During the final round of the 2025 PGA Championship, he dramatically threw his driver after an unsatisfactory tee shot. As a result, the club malfunctioned and ended up hitting a billboard just inches from a nearby volunteer. The next day, he apologized for the incident.
A month later, frustrated after missing a chance at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, Clark was so upset that he damaged two lockers in the clubhouse. Shortly after this, Oakmont banned him from the premises.
He first addressed this incident at the Travelers Championship a week later, repeatedly apologizing and expressing regret for his actions.
Clark’s response was relatable. He kept apologizing, said the right things, and aimed to move past his public blunders. However, actions do have consequences. When a notable player throws his driver and damages property, it’s hard to find compassion; the benefit of the doubt tends to vanish.
In truth, it seemed Clark’s apologies fell on deaf ears. Despite his efforts to convey sincerity, public sentiment had already formed an opinion. Whether fair or not, he had to face the music.
The U.S. Open at Shinnecock could have been an easier venue for him to prove himself, but his performance there felt like a significant step forward.
From the moment he took the lead on Thursday—finishing the first round four shots ahead—criticism began to intensify. As the week progressed, viewpoints sharpened, and it felt like every corner of the golf world was buzzing with calls for Clark’s downfall.
Given how frequent the online backlash was, it was overwhelming to see so much negativity aimed at him during the first three rounds.
Clark faced even greater scrutiny on Sunday, when he entered the final round with a six-stroke lead. The hostility he faced made the preceding days feel like a casual stroll through a quiet neighborhood. It was clear that a strong majority of fans on site that day openly cheered against him.
Crowd reactions included urging the ball to land in the bunker immediately after his shots, celebrating each misstep, and vocalizing their frustration during his final round, which included five bogeys. Reportedly, some attendees who verbally attacked Clark were escorted out by officials.
The atmosphere on Sunday was electric with tension, as Clark sought to claim his second U.S. Open title amidst a barrage of negativity.
Despite the crowd’s antagonism, Clark had an unexpected opportunity to send an impactful message throughout the day. While last year’s outbursts at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open influenced his behavior, so did his impressive achievements. Having been a Ryder Cup player and winner of the 2023 U.S. Open, he understood that merely playing well in smaller tournaments wouldn’t win back fans’ respect.
Instead, Clark needed to endure the challenges, navigating through the harsh atmosphere at Shinnecock Hills, chasing yet another major title.
It’s quite challenging not to appreciate Windham Clark. Doubts about his sincerity or thoughts that his past mistakes merely reflect his character are understandable. Fans have every right to choose their allegiance. Even so, acknowledging Clark’s accomplishments at such a prestigious venue, especially when many seemed against him, feels necessary.
Sure, it might sound cliché, but his ability to play under pressure could point to personal growth. Only time, along with his future actions, will reveal the truth. Meanwhile, the world of golf will certainly keep an eye on his journey.
